Rule 1

The West Elk Bicycle Classic is an unsanctioned gran fondo timed event.

Rule 2

The rules of the road ALWAYS apply. Stay as far right as possible unless overtaking another rider. Obey all traffic laws. All cyclists are personally responsible for knowing and obeying all traffic laws. This includes—but is not limited to—obeying stop signs. Violators may be ticketed by local law enforcement and/or removed from the event.

Rule 3

Registration packet pickup. You must pick up your registration on Friday, August 31st, 6-8 p.m. or Saturday, September 1st, 4-8 p.m. at the Taylor Hall Welcome Center on the Western State Colorado University campus in Gunnison CO, which is also the West Elk Bicycle Classic start. See Course Map for location.

Rule 4

There will be a mass start at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 2nd. The peloton (main group) will have a Colorado State Patrol escort car to the city limits where they will patrol the course for safety. The peloton should also ride as far to the right as possible. If you get dropped from the main peloton, other SAG vehicles will follow, but you should ride as far to the right as possible except when overtaking riders.

Rule 5

The timed portion of the race finishes at the summit of Kebler Pass, so “HTFU!” The official finish line is in downtown Crested Butte. You can coast the entire way, there are still unpaved portions of the road though so be careful!

Rule 6

Drafting other riders is acceptable. No drafting of vehicles or taking rides from them.

Rule 7

Ride safely and in control. Ride in single file whenever possible. Any cyclist who is deemed to be riding unsafely, discourteously, or recklessly will be removed from the event and banned from future participation. Again, THIS IS A RIDE, NOT A RACE. Your safety, and the impact of your actions on the safety of others, are your responsibility.

Rule 8

Children ages twelve and up are welcome as cycling participants (no trailers). All children (ages twelve through seventeen) must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

Rule 9

Did you remember your helmet? Helmets are mandatory. The helmet must be an ANSI- or Snell-approved cycling helmet.